Teddy Bear Puppies

Photo of Teddy Bear

The Friendly, Affectionate, and Develop Teddy Bear

The Shichon is a crossbreed between a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu. Breeders hoped to combine the friendliness of the Bichon Frise with the size of the Shih Tzu. The result is a loyal and loving pup that fits in with families of all sizes.


Teddy Bear At a Glance

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Teddy Bear At a Glance

  • Size: 9"-12", 10-15 lbs.
  • Lifespan: 10-16 years
  • Energy Level: medium
  • Coat: Long and wavy
  • Shedding: light
  • Hypoallergenic: Yes
  • Dog Group: Toy
  • Common Nicknames: Shichon, Zuchon

Teddy Bear Breed Guide

Learn More About Teddy Bears

  • Temperament

    Shichons are friendly, affectionate, and develop strong bonds with their family. They are very intelligent and take to training quickly when it is started early. They are patient with children and love having other furry friends around to play with. They are playful companions and love nothing more than spending time with their families.

  • Health

    Shichons are prone to hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, so you should have their joints checked during their vet checkups. They are also susceptible to respiratory problems due to their short muzzle.

  • Activity Level

    Shichons have a moderate activity level and thrive on exercise that works them both mentally and physically. They love playtime in the house and trips to the dog park to interact with other pups. Between playtime and short walks around the neighborhood, your Shichon should stay happy and healthy.

  • Grooming

    Despite being a low-shedding breed, Shichons require a moderate amount of maintenance to keep their coat healthy. They should be brushed daily to prevent matting unless you decide to get them groomed, which requires weekly brushing. The long hair around their eyes may need to be trimmed every 2-3 weeks so their vision isn't impaired.

  • Shedding

    Teddy Bear dogs have a lot of long, wavy hair but are very light shedders. This breed is considered hypoallergenic and good for people with allergies.

  • Appearance

    They are often called "The Teddy Bear Dog" because of their soft and fluffy coat. They inherit their size from the Shih Tzu parent and should weigh no more than 15 pounds. Their ears will be floppy, framed by excess hair that may need to be trimmed regularly. Their tail feathers and curls over their back.

  • History

    As a crossbreed, it is tough to trace the origins of the Shichon. It is believed that they were first bred in the US in the 1990s to combine the friendliness of the Bichon Frise with the smaller size of the Shih Tzu. The result is a friendly and affectionate pup who is great with kids and comes in an adorable toy dog package.